Opening for RRB Group-D (Level-1) with 22,000+ Vacancies
Railway Recruitment 2026: Massive ! Check Dates, Eligibility, and How to Apply
Great news for government job aspirants! The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) have officially released a short notice for the recruitment of Group-D (Level-1) posts for the 2026 cycle. With a whopping 22,000+ tentative vacancies, this is one of the biggest opportunities for youth across India to secure a stable career in the world’s fourth-largest railway network.
Whether you are a 10th-pass student or an ITI holder, this recruitment drive could be your gateway to a dream career. In this detailed blog post, we bring you all the essential information regarding application dates, fees, zone-wise details, and eligibility.
1. Key Dates to Remember
Mark your calendars! The RRB has laid out a clear timeline for the application process. Missing a deadline could cost you a golden opportunity.
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
| Short Notice Release | December 23, 2025 |
| Detailed Notification Release | January 20, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | January 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | February 20, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | February 20, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Last Week of February 2026 |
| Exam Date (CBT) | To be announced soon |
2. Vacancy Details & Posts
The recruitment is for Level-1 posts of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. While the final count will be confirmed in the detailed notification, the tentative 22,000+ seats will cover various categories, including:
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Track Maintainer Grade-IV
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Pointsman
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Assistant/Helper (In Electrical, Mechanical, and S&T departments)
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Hospital Assistant
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Assistant Loco Shed
Zone-wise Vacancies: Once the full notification is out, candidates can apply for specific zones like RRB Patna, Mumbai, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Ranchi, Kolkata, Chennai, and others. Generally, Northern Railway (NR) and East Central Railway (ECR) see the highest number of openings.
3. Application Fee
The RRB follows a transparent fee structure where a portion of the fee is refunded after you appear for the Computer Based Test (CBT).
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General / OBC / EWS: ₹500 (₹400 will be refunded after appearing in CBT).
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SC / ST / Female / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen: ₹250 (Full ₹250 will be refunded after appearing in CBT).
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Payment Mode: Online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, or UPI.
4. Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
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Candidates must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
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For certain technical posts, an ITI (NCVT/SCVT) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) might be mandatory.
Age Limit (As of Jan 1, 2026):
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
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Maximum Age: 36 Years (for General category)
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Relaxation: Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories (OBC: 3 years, SC/ST: 5 years) as per government norms.
5. Selection Process: How to Get Selected?
The selection will be strictly merit-based, involving the following stages:
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Computer Based Test (CBT): An online exam testing Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness.
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Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates must perform physical tasks like running and carrying weight within a specified time.
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Document Verification (DV): Checking the authenticity of original certificates.
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Medical Examination: Ensuring the candidate meets the medical standards for the allotted post.
6. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
Once the link goes live on January 21, 2026, follow these steps:
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Visit the official regional RRB website or rrbapply.gov.in.
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Register using your mobile number and email ID.
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Fill in your personal and educational details.
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Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and caste certificate (if applicable).
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Pay the application fee online.
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Download and Print the application form for future reference.
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Final Word from Palash News
The RRB Group-D 2026 recruitment is a massive chance for job seekers to enter the public sector. Since the competition is expected to be high, we recommend starting your preparation immediately, focusing on 10th-standard Science and Mathematics.
Stay tuned to Naukri Alarm for more updates, syllabus breakdowns, and exam tips!
Disclaimer: This article is based on the initial short notice. We advise all candidates to read the official detailed notification carefully once it is released on Jan 20, 2026, before applying.